When the Lord your God removes your enemies from before you, you shall destroy them completely; do not let anything alive remain. – Deuteronomy 7:2
God’s Purpose in Removal
As we contemplate the ways in which God removes things from our lives, we must remember that His actions are often rooted in purpose and love. Each time we experience loss or separation, we can find comfort in the idea that these changes may be a part of God’s greater plan for us. When He chooses to remove certain elements from our lives, it can be an invitation for us to grow, learn, and trust Him more deeply. We can approach these experiences not with fear or disappointment but with hope and expectation for the blessing that is to come.
Isaiah 43:18
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Trusting God’s Timing
Trusting God’s timing can be one of the most challenging aspects of our faith. When He removes something from our lives, it often leaves us questioning why or searching for understanding. Leaning into our trust in God allows us to rest in the reassurance that His timing is perfect. We can understand that God’s decisions are backed by love, wisdom, and a desire for our well-being. Even if we cannot immediately see the reasons for certain changes in our lives, we must remember that God knows what is best for each one of us.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Psalms 27:14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalms 27:14
Psalms 31:15
“My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.” – Psalms 31:15
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah 60:22
“When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” – Isaiah 60:22
The Healing Process
When God removes something from our lives, it may leave us with feelings of emptiness or loss. However, this can also be a time for healing and rejuvenation. Healing is a crucial part of our journey, allowing us to recover, grow stronger, and seek new blessings. As we submit ourselves to God, we should remember that the healing process is often gradual, and we must invite Him into our experiences, allowing His love and grace to fill the spaces that have been vacated.
Psalms 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalms 147:3
Isaiah 61:3
“…provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” – Isaiah 61:3
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” – James 4:8
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Psalms 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalms 30:5
The Gift of Renewal
God’s removal from our lives often clears the way for renewal and transformation. With God, we are promised that He is continually making all things new. Let us embrace the gift of renewal by being open to the changes that God brings into our lives. We can actively seek out how to become better versions of ourselves and how to reflect God’s love in a more profound way. Being renewed can include new relationships, perspectives, or experiences that lead us toward His purpose.
Revelation 21:5
“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'” – Revelation 21:5
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Ephesians 4:22-24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Galatians 6:15
“Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” – Galatians 6:15
God’s Sovereignty and Control
God’s sovereignty enables Him to orchestrate our lives in a way that is for our benefit and ultimately reveals His glory. When God removes things from our lives, we should trust His complete control over every situation. He knows the path we should take and will guide us through life’s twists and turns. Even when we may feel lost or uncertain about what is left behind, we can find solace in knowing that God is actively working in our favor as we surrender to His will.
Psalms 115:3
“Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” – Psalms 115:3
Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
Isaiah 46:10
“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'” – Isaiah 46:10
Job 42:2
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” – Job 42:2
Romans 9:20-21
“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” – Romans 9:20-21
Finding Hope in Change
Change can be difficult, but with God, it is often where we discover hope. When God removes things from our lives, it often brings us closer to our purpose and fills us with new possibilities. Instead of clinging to remnants of the past, we are encouraged to embrace what is ahead of us. Hope is essential, and we can focus on the future with a spirit of optimism knowing that God has a plan, even when we can’t see it right away.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Psalms 33:22
“May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” – Psalms 33:22
1 Peter 1:3
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 1:3
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the journey of God removing things from our lives, we can see how it is closely tied to His deep love for us. Recognizing His purpose in these changes gives us the strength to embrace what lies ahead. We can rest assured that His timing is perfect and that healing, renewal, and hope await us as we navigate life’s transitions together. Remembering that God is always sovereign allows us to trust Him fully, finding peace amid uncertainty.
Changes can often lead to new beginnings filled with blessings, if we focus on what God has in store for us. Together, we can support one another and find joy in renewing our faith and hope. As we encourage each other on this journey, let’s explore other uplifting topics, such as not looking back or separating ourselves from the world.
Stay faithful, and remember, the best is yet to come.